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Topic Review (Newest First)

08-18-2014 04:03 AM

DJEtzel

My opinion varies with the weather.

I change my mind all the time. Right now both boys are naked all the time- including off leash in public today. Depends on what we're doing and such. I think as long as you make an educated decision and weigh the pros and cons, it doesn't matter. You're going to make the best decision for your dog, and only you know what your dog's risks are and what yours are.

The chance of my puppy blowing me off at the park and running away collar-less is so small that I would rather let his coat grow out where the collar recently broke his fur.

My border collie is a little more of a flight risk, so he wears a collar if we're out of town almost always- usually with tags.

Both are chipped, Patton doesn't have an ID tag anymore.

08-18-2014 03:15 AM

Sagan

-Chipped

-E-collar

-Fur saver or prong on lead

-Naked when out of sight and contained

08-18-2014 03:05 AM

Las Presitas

Yes but when tracking they are in the lead. Teaching a dog to walk in a loose lease much harder with harness. They can pull and feel ur presence so why pay attention to u when they can be sniffing or looking for sticks. They know u r there. They should be focused on u.

08-17-2014 09:08 PM

Unforgiving

Dogs from all NZKC breeders here (NZ Kennel Club) come microchipped with tattoos when you get the pup at 8 weeks old. So, tagging isn't a necessity.

I won't be collaring my dog inside, and I have a adjustable lead with the slip collar on it that I know works just fine.

In terms of harnesses, it can work depending on what your training. Police dogs here are trained that when the harness goes on, its tracking time.

06-04-2014 04:33 PM

Liesje

Right, the last few dogs I've picked up and strays and tried to return to the owners have worn collars.

Right now I have 4 dogs. Three wear collars all the time. Legend is a puppy so he wears a loose fitting rolled leather collar that has a small tag with our address and phone numbers. He gets into trouble so the tag clinks against the buckle on the collar and is like a bell so I know where he is. Coke is our escape artist who likes to blow off recalls if someone forgets to latch the door or gate, so he wears a normal biothane collar with a security ring (it also is not fit real tight) and his has two brass ID plates riveted on with all our contact info (he used to wear tags and they just fell off all the time). Indy has a beautiful custom made collar I just never take off. It fits her perfectly and doesn't have bulky hardware so it's easiest to just leave it on. She doesn't wear tags unless she's up north with my sister. Nikon only wears a collar when we're training or competing, depending on what we're doing and what equipment he needs. All 4 dogs are microchipped and Nikon is also tattooed.

06-04-2014 02:00 PM

onyx'girl

Quote:

I help with rescue. So many beautiful obviously cared for dogs I see wind up there because someone hasn't bothered to put a collar with tags on them. So sad.

The lack of collar or tag doesn't mean a dog ends up in rescue....it is the lack of responsible ownership that makes a dog end up there(or a shelter)
Why have microchips as well? Even dogs with chips aren't claimed.
Dogs come in as strays to shelters wearing collars and tags, the owners still don't come and claim them. Why have microchips as well? Even dogs with chips aren't claimed, owners don't update the info(irresponsible!).
IMO, collars are for training/different tools in the toolbox. I have different types of collars, though none of them are on the dog unless we are off property or training. I do have one dedicated collar for tags, it is the law that the dog wears tags when off their own property.

06-04-2014 01:47 PM

Lita

Quote:

Originally Posted by FelixTheGSD

I just wanted to get my questions answered in one area for my future reference

Again, I'm just planning for my puppy to be home in a few weeks, and this is just my tenative plan. I think tags on 24-7 is a good idea, except for in the crate or dog run, securely closed. Just weighing benefits and risks, like you said

I think you need to see how your pups personality and characteristics are, and then make your choice. I think your harness plan is incredibly weak. See how much drive your dog has and then choose.

06-04-2014 01:30 PM

jafo220

Quote:

Originally Posted by shepherdmom

Yes there are other methods than tags but none work as well. My dogs are microchipped too. Us dog people scan for microchips but joe blow not so much. Microchips are often not registered or the info is not current. A collar and tag tells everyone hey I have a home and someone is missing me.

Yup, the harness is just for training! For teaching to heel. (Plus I am on the side of it taking stress off the neck)

And Apsel, I'm planning to only use the harness when walking, and have him off leash (therefore having the collar on too) if we are doing any running or stuff like that. Helpful thread tho!

Like mentioned bellow harness won't help with training. Been there, done that. My dog never has a harness on during walks. Flat leather buckle collar with........TAGS. Not saying a harness doesn't have it's place and purpose. Just not so much for training. After training maybe if needed. My dog doesn't need, so why use it?

Harness won't help you train anything. Sorry, I've dealt with people that think harness is the way to go, and it takes them twice as long to teach the dog anything.

Pressure on the neck? If a flat, prong, martingale, do any damage to your dogs neck...its YOUR fault, not the collars. If your reason for avoiding a collar is so that you don't hurt your dog with it, that's fine, but IMO a collar won't hurt a dog. I've got an 85lbs male, if you think you can control that dog on a harness...good luck. At least with a collar I can redirect his head, give an actual correction. With a harness, either he drags me around, or I have to plant myself in one spot to make sure he doesn't get to whatever he wants (bite work).